The Top Attractions of Wroclaw - What to do in Wroclaw?
Whilst visiting our fine city- either for a short city break or longer, you may wonder exactly what things to do in Wroclaw and how to make the most of your time in the city. Today we share our ideas on the best Wroclaw tourist attractions taken from our very own ‘Wroclaw must see’, ‘Wroclaw Top 10 attractions’ and ‘sightseeing Wroclaw’ lists.
Ostrow Tumski
In Wroclaw places to visit are many but The Cathedral Island is an absolute ‘must see’ and located in the oldest part of the city where the history of Wroclaw started over 1100 years ago. Until today, the island remains a very special and authentic place, especially at night when it is illuminated by traditional gas lanterns.
If you wish to escape the crowds occupying the Market Square, simply cross Tumski Bridge to the Cathedral Island (our very own Vatican!) and you will find yourself surrounded by pearls of Gothic architecture. You will get the impression that time slows down here. It is also a very romantic location - particularly if you visit the Island at sunset when there is a very good possibility of meeting our famous Lamplighter. The Lamplighter wears a traditional black uniform as he walks around the island turning on the gas lanterns one by one. There are only 2 places in Europe where you can meet an official Lamplighter, so it is definitely worth trying to find him on the Cathedral Island in Wroclaw.
If you are planning to spend few hours on Ostrow Tumski we would recommend you take a look inside the most significant structure on the Island - The Cathedral of the Saint John the Baptist. The northern tower of the cathedral has a vantage point that provides an enjoyable panoramic view of the surrounding area. There is a lift so no need to break a sweat!
If you wish to learn more about this part of the city, we would be delighted to see you on the Meet My City ‘Famous Islands of Wroclaw’ tour.
The Market Hall
This unique building was founded by the city council in 1908/09 and from the outside, looks somewhat more like an antiquated and romantic castle than a place for vendors. However, the inside of the shopping hall showcases an unexpected design made of steel and reinforced concrete. In times of former glory, the Market hall was the first place in Wroclaw to trade hygienically, offering over 500 stalls on 2 stories, cooling devices, lifts and proper ventilation. In fact, a large part of the original construction survived WWII and remains to be seen to this day. Today, local and visiting shoppers flock to the hall to buy products from all over the world.
Once you are inside, take a careful look around! You may find a delightful coffee shop hidden between the stalls, with a delightful interior reminiscent of 19th century Breslau. Take time to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with some delicious Belgium chocolates. You will not be disappointed!
District of Mutual Respect/District of the Four Temples
Perhaps the most easy-going, colourful and charming district on the map of Wroclaw, where within just 400 meters, 4 religions peacefully exist side by side. Although not registered as an official district, this is how the locals refer to the area. Alongside the Catholic, Orthodox & Protestant churches and the Jewish Synagogue, every few meters you will find coffee shops, bars and a rather large number of funeral homes! Quite an unusual combination reminding us to seize the day and enjoy life to the fullest!
Whilst walking the streets of the former Jewish quarter, take time to visit the White Stork Synagogue. Beautifully renovated, this 19th century synagogue is the religious and cultural centre of the local Jewish community and the only one in Wroclaw that managed to survive the Holocaust. Beside the synagogue on the courtyard, enjoy a drink under the large tree at a local cafe and relax after your Wroclaw sightseeing.
The area is very special, slightly off the beaten track and a visit is highly recommended - perhaps on the Meet My City ‘District of the Four Temples’ tour.
The Market Square
Wroclaw Market Square (Rynek) lies in the centre of Wroclaw Old Town and has been the beating heart of the city for over 800 years. This remarkable area is filled with the splendour of renovated Baroque, Renaissance and Art Nouveau tenement buildings. Wroclaw Main Square is a vibrant plaza, the second biggest market square in Poland and one of the most important marketplaces of medieval Europe. It is a place where we say the ‘city never sleeps’, bursting at the seams with cafes, restaurants, shops and hotels.
After finding your favourite place for refreshments, you can enjoy the view of the spectacular Old Town Hall, the most prominent building in the Main Square and as the old city hall, paints an artistic portrait of the political beliefs and ambitions of Wroclaw’s councillor’s past.
Once you have had your fill of history, there is still plenty to see! Depending on what takes your fancy, you can enjoy watching the performers’ shows or listen to music played by local artists. You could also entertain yourself by counting the number of Wroclaw’s famous dwarfs located in the city centre!
Twice a year the Market Square is taken over by stalls from the Christmas and Midsummer Markets making visiting Wroclaw in December or June a must!
The Centennial Hall
The Centennial Hall, although located just outside of the city centre is the next ‘must see’ stop during your stay in Wroclaw. This unique multi-purpose building, designed by the architect Max Berg, had the biggest reinforced concrete dome in the world at the time of its opening in 1913. Intended to accommodate approximately 10 000 people, the Centennial Hall became a milestone in architectural history due to the innovative technology of the construction. In fact, the significance of the structure was acknowledged worldwide when in 2006 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The building is surrounded by the 19th century Szczytnicki Park, the biggest park in the city housing a charming Japanese Garden. If you are visiting Wroclaw during the warmer months, we would highly recommend you take time to explore this area of the city.
Panorama of the Battle of Raclawice
The Panorama of Raclawice is listed as one of the top attractions of Wroclaw. This impressive monumental broad painting (114m x 15m) was created within just 9 months in 1894 by a group of artists led by Jan Styka and Wojciech Kossak.
The Battle of Raclawice was a huge success for the Polish army, therefore the Panorama reminded Poles to keep their spirits high and to always fight for their freedom. The painting is presented in 360 degrees with the viewer in the center watching different scenes from different angles. The special effects added to the masterpiece by the artist gives the audience an extra special feeling of realism.
The Panorama in Wroclaw was opened to the public in 1985 and since that time it has become one of the city’s main tourist’s attraction. Nobles and famous people like John Paul II, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and many others have visited in the past. Due to the convenient location (just few minutes away from Wroclaw Main Square) it can be added easily to your list of ‘top 10 things to do in Wroclaw’.
Photographs of the Market Hall courtesy of www.visitwroclaw.eu
